The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee, led by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, has unanimously approved the return of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a two-year format, announcing the decision on Thursday, 29 October 2026, following discussions at the organisation’s Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde.

The decision reverses CAF’s controversial plan to move the continental championship to a four-year cycle, restoring the tournament’s traditional frequency and reaffirming its importance to African football.

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In its official announcement, CAF explained that the proposed Africa Nations League, which was originally intended to replace AFCON as the continent’s major biennial national-team competition, would take several years to generate the financial resources required to support football development across Africa.

The governing body said the delay could affect its ambitions to make African competitions more competitive internationally and financially sustainable.

Motsepe said the Executive Committee’s decision was guided by the need to protect African football, its 54 member associations and players representing clubs outside the continent.

“The decision by the CAF EXCO that the CAF AFCON should take place every Two Years was based on advancing, protecting and promoting the interest of African Football and CAF’s 54 Member Associations, as well as the interest of African players employed by Football Clubs outside Africa,” Motsepe said.

He also acknowledged the financial challenges surrounding the proposed alternative competition, explaining that CAF could not afford to wait several years before the Africa Nations League began delivering meaningful benefits.

The reversal follows growing debate over the proposed four-year arrangement, which CAF announced in December 2025. Under the original plan, the 2027 and 2028 editions would have gone ahead before AFCON moved to a four-year schedule from 2032.

The proposed restructuring was intended to create room for a new Africa Nations League from 2029, providing a regular international competition for African national teams while accommodating the increasingly crowded global football calendar.

However, the change attracted criticism from sections of the African football community, particularly over concerns about the tournament’s commercial importance, its influence on football development and the opportunities it provides for national teams to compete at continental level.

During CAF’s three-day Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde, held from 7 to 9 October, Motsepe indicated that the governing body was reconsidering its position.

At the time, he said: “We are looking into bringing AFCON back to every two years. That’s under review.”

The latest announcement turns that earlier indication into an official decision, with CAF confirming that the Executive Committee reached a unanimous agreement.

Under the revised calendar, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the next AFCON in 2027.

The subsequent editions are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033.

The gap between the 2028 and 2031 tournaments reflects CAF’s commitment to avoiding a clash with the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The organisation said continental national-team competitions would not hold their final tournaments during a World Cup year, in keeping with established FIFA scheduling practice.

The decision also places renewed attention on preparations for the 2027 tournament, which will mark a significant occasion for East African football as three countries collaborate to stage Africa’s biggest senior men’s national-team competition.

Motsepe expressed confidence in the hosts’ ability to deliver a successful championship, despite concerns previously raised in media reports about the progress of some construction projects.

“You have to believe in Africa. There will be problems, there will be failures, fine, but we will be there.

That’s what Mandela taught us,” the CAF president said during the earlier discussions in Cabo Verde, reinforcing his confidence in the continent’s ability to organise major sporting events.

Beyond the competition itself, the CAF president described AFCON as an important cultural occasion that brings together people from across the continent and the African diaspora.

For many African countries, the tournament extends beyond football, providing an opportunity to celebrate national identity, cultural diversity and continental pride while offering players a prominent international platform.

First staged in 1957, AFCON has traditionally been organised every two years, developing into one of the continent’s most significant sporting and commercial events.

Its appeal has extended well beyond Africa, attracting international audiences, sponsors and clubs whose players regularly feature in the competition.

The restored schedule is therefore an important development for national associations, players and supporters who have long regarded the tournament as a central part of African football’s identity.

Nevertheless, CAF’s latest decision also leaves questions about the future structure of the proposed Africa Nations League and how the governing body intends to balance competition revenues, international scheduling and the interests of clubs releasing players for national duty.

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For now, the unanimous decision represents a decisive change in direction. By restoring AFCON’s two-year cycle, CAF has reaffirmed the competition’s traditional place in African football while acknowledging the financial and organisational challenges involved in sustaining its long-term growth.